The Approval Process

The approval process at Winnipeg Housing begins as soon as you drop off your completed application at our office. Our goal is to have your application reviewed by our staff within 10 business days. Once our review is complete we will contact you in writing to inform you of our decision to pre-approve or decline your application for housing.

1. Pre-Approval

Notification from us in writing that you have been pre-approved for housing means you have been added to our waiting list. Once you have been added to the waiting list you will be contacted by us under the following circumstances:

  1. There is a suite available you are eligible for that we would like to invite you to view;
  2. One (1) year has passed since you were pre-approved and we require updated information.

Please ensure you respond promptly to our requests for further information as failure to respond could result in the cancellation of your application for housing.

2. Our Waiting List

Currently, the wait times for vacant rental suites with Winnipeg Housing range from 6 months to 2 years depending on the size and location of the suite needed. In order to ensure the shortest wait time possible, be sure to select as many different areas possible where you would consider living on your application. By narrowing your selection to one or two areas only, your wait time will likely increase.

3. Approval & Contact

Once you reach the top of the waiting list, we will request updated application information to process your final approval. This is generally a quick process and as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements, you will be approved.

You will then be given an opportunity to view, and if you accept, lease a suite with Winnipeg Housing. If you choose to accept the suite we have offered you and place a security deposit within 24 hours of viewing the suite; our staff will set up a leasing appointment with you at which time you will come back to our office and complete the lease agreement for your new suite.

At Winnipeg Housing, you have the right of three refusals with respect to turning down suites that are offered to you as an applicant. Once you have reached this limit and refused three suites, your application will be canceled and you will be removed from our waiting list.